A/N: For those of you who still haven't figured out who Kazuya's student is go back and reread whenever Kazuya is meeting with him. He is an older version of a character from an anime many consider to be royalty. I dropped major clues at the start of the story and whenever he is talking to Kazuya other clues are given. He will be revealed at the end of the chapter.

A/N (2): For those of you who never saw the 70s TV show Kung Fu our protagonist's tongue-in-check nickname given to him from one of his teachers is "Grasshopper." Maybe you have heard it in popular culture before.

Chapter Eight: The New Year & Boyfriend

In the early afternoon on Christmas eve Kazuya's protégé sat waiting at his favorite tavern and looked up as he received a text message stating Kazuya was arriving with an apology due to a small car accident.

"Remember: 'You have to be very careful with time. You must be prompt'." The young Sapphire said.

Kazuya smiled and rolled his eyes as he smiled saying, "You're learning fast 'Grasshopper'."

"Thanks. I have been practicing what you've taught me thus far and-"

"Let's not talk about work right now. We can in a minute, but I wanted to invite you to a costume party. It is being held on Wednesday, Boxing Day, in the evening. It is taking place at the Marriot downtown in one of their halls. It's a fundraiser for some of the community playhouses and has an admission price, but my gift to you this season is I'm covering your ticket.

"Sounds like fun…but I don't have a costume or even anyone to take."

"You don't need to go with a date. As for what to wear, meet me on Wednesday morning outside my apartment. My friend, and the other half of 'my story', will be there. This year's theme is fantasy and adventure, specifically stories and fairy tales. The twist is that they are all the high school version of themselves. A lot of us are digging up our old school uniforms. I have an idea or two for you and she has a few. Personally, I think you'd make a great Merlin in high school. She will have more than one outfit and we'll see what appeals to you."

"Thank you. That sounds like fun. I'll see you at 10:00."

Kazuya told him it'd be a fun night and the two had some light fare discussing work before parting ways.

Across town at the bakery Mizuhara worked feverishly at the register selling all manner of baked goods, sandwiches, and preparing catering orders for the evening and Christmas Day. Sumi came by to lend a hand and though offered money smiled and said she'd do it for nothing. Mizuhara smiled and said she truly was the best gift she could receive at this time of year. Sumi smiled and said she could go for a pink lemonade and shortbread cookie if there were any left. Mizuhara smiled and said she'd make sure there would be more than one.

On Christmas day Mizuhara and her grandmother awoke to exchange gifts before both departed to spend time with their friends. Across town Kazuya and his family spend their day together and did what Americans do on Christmas, had Chinese food.

Arriving at Yoko's dorm Mizuhara joined Yuki for a pajama party on Christmas. Throughout the day they binged on movies, ate various foods, and took a walk in the evening seeing the neighborhood lit up and of course during the day they kept on pressing Mizuhara for details with her boyfriend. Mizuhara did her best to deflect and just tell the most innocuous PG-versions of everything which occurred.

After touring the town, the three arrived at the local tavern and joined the traditional Christmas crowd of families and all other manor of revelers in various states of inebriation from the day's activities. In the back the rest of their friends waited. Mizuhara smiled, but on the inside grit her teeth seeing Niko in the back dressed in a normal outfit and not his leather jacket.

Yoko greeted everyone and then said, "Chizuru here is mum about her boyfriend and their activities so don't anyone bother asking her…and by that, I mean let's all ask her together."

Mizuhara turned quite flush and scared and shouted," Y-Yoko! I'm not-"

"Oh, loosen up! I'm just kidding Chizuru. Calm down. My Christmas gift to you: I won't bring up Kazuya all night…you either right Yuki? We've already asked everything we could. We owe her a drink."

Yuki nodded and asked what Mizuhara wanted. Smiling and calming just a bit Mizuhara asked for a hot chocolate.

Niko jumped in saying, "Chiz-Mizuhara…I thought you'd prefer a glass of wine. Loosen up. I'll buy you one if you'd like."

Mizuhara paused for a moment unsure of how to react and slowly said, "I'm not of age yet…but the gesture is appreciated…thank you."

Niko smiled and said it was an open offer.

Mizuhara took out of her backpack a box of cookies and treats saying it was all that was left in the bakery to everyone's smile. She also took out several gift cards and other little gifts for her friends. Other friends gave similar things. When Niko handed out his gifts, he handed Mizuhara a box the size of a Rubik's cube and smiled as she opened it to find a dark blue glass butterfly on plastic moss.

Taken aback Mizuhara said, "It's…it's very pretty. Th-thank you."

Niko smiled and said, "That's not all, look."

Showing pride Niko took a large napkin and smiled as he unfolded it and held it above creating darkness and Mizuhara gasped as the butterfly glowed fluorescent blue.

Mizuhara was dumbfounded and expressed amazement at such a gift and gave a huge, and unexpected, smile and said she would have to find a place for it.

As the group started to part ways Niko went up to Mizuhara who immediately thanked him for his gift again.

"I am sorry for the way I acted before. Christmas is a festival, full of gifts and surprises. Let this be the gift and my surprise being acting a little more maturely. I'd like to think it is a time of forgiveness," Niko said with a small smile.

"…We all make mistakes Niko. Thank you for the butterfly…I am sorry all I had for you was a gift card, I didn't put much thought into it to be honest. S-Sorry if I look bad…or not really appreciative of the season," Mizuhara said as she looked at the ground a little with the most minute of a frown.

"Don't worry, I am glad to get anything. I wasn't sure you'd have anything for me…all the more reason I wanted to get this…and the best gift you can give me really is your forgiveness. I don't want scorn or an uneasy feeling whenever we're all out together."

"I wish I knew what to say to that except to say thanks. Maybe a butterfly, somewhere when it flies in the spring will carry any bad feelings away. Winter is a cold season…all is dead outside and yet there is beauty. Spring is coming…and spring is a time of new beginnings. Sorry…I know that sounds like a greeting card or a fortune cookie…but that is why they were taken with them, because it is true!"

"To the end of winter and the start of spring. Would you like to get that glass of wine now?"

Mizuhara looked at him dead set in the eye pondering the offer.

Early morning on Boxing Day Kazuya's student walked up the metal stairs to the second level carrying two cups of tea. As he walked towards the door, he saw a girl with long blond hair and a grey school uniform carrying a large blue gift bag arriving from the other side. The girl wore a light blue shirt under a grey jacket with a school crest and a red tie with white and black stripes. He watched her knock on the door as she turned to him giving a warm smile.

Suddenly he stopped dead in his tracks.

Breathing quickly on the verge of hyperventilation he stared as he dropped the cups of tea.

"K-Ka…this, this can't be," The Sapphire said in shock.

Mami looked over with a soft smile and said, "Hi, you must be Kazuya's student. What's wrong?"

The Sapphire started to sniffle and wipe his eyes a little while softly crying unable to say a word. With a slightly shaking arm he just pointed towards Kazuya's door still unable to say a word.

Mami quickly called Kazuya out feeling something was wrong.

Kazuya came out and quickly said, "What's wrong? What's going on…oh...oh my god…"

Mami looked at Kazuya's student softly crying and back to Kazuya before simply asking, with compassion, "What's going on?"

Kazuya looked at his student and nodded and gave a small smile as he said, "She does…I can see it. She does look a little like her. Shhhh…it's okay. Mami…take your wig off, slowly."

"Kazuya what's going on?" Mami asked as she slowly took off her wig.

"You look like someone he knew, someone very special to him."

"I do?"

"In the wig and uniform you do. You look like his musical 'soulmate', an inspirational violinist he played with in the past. Sadly, she's no longer with him to inspire him…or anyone else."

Mami put her wig down in the bag with a crestfallen look and walked slowly towards Kazuya's student who had stopped crying. Looking back at her he sadly dried the last of his tears.

"It's okay. Shhh…it's okay. I'm Mami and it's nice to meet you. Come here," Mami said as she opened her arms.

Allowing himself to be embraced the sad musician hugged Mami back smiling as he thanked her softly.

Mami released her hug, held his right hand with both of hers while giving a smile and said, "I'm very sorry for your loss. Maybe you could me tell me about her sometime."

The Sapphire smiled widely and said, "I—I'd like that. Thank you."

Smiling warmly again Mami said, "Great. I look forward to it."

Mami released his hand and gave another soft smile.

"Allow me to introduce formerly introduce Mami…my very special friend. She's going with me as Rapunzel. I'm going as the prince. He is usually just known as 'the prince', but Disney named him 'Flynn' so I may use that name. She has brought you two outfits we'd like you to try on."

Unseen to anyone Kazuya smiled ear to ear at Mami and then said they should take a look at the costumes and invited them inside his apartment. Mami handed the musician the bag saying there was a costume for Merlin and one for King Arthur. All three agreed the Merlin one was the better of the two. Kazuya made tea for everyone, and his student thanked both and bowed before leaving. The moment the door was closed Kazuya went over to Mami giving her a firm hug and thanks.

"Kazuya! What's all this about?" Mami said quite shocked and happy as she hugged him back.

Releasing the hug Kazuya looked at her as he held her on her upper arms and said, "That's for being so caring in a time of need to my colleague. He needed someone at that moment and while I know we were both there I know you gave him a lot of comfort. I could see it in his eyes, you really made him feel better. Thanks for showing so much compassion to someone you just met, that's why you're really very special to me."

Mami smiled widely and blushed as she said," Wow…so the 'cheat code' to getting you to really smile is showing compassion to those you care about? Well, I guess that's not a 'cheat code'…just a good code to live by. The 'secret' in life is to just live by a good code isn't it Kazuya?"

Kazuya nodded and gave her a warm hug to which Mami asked if she was going to be charged for that one. Kazuya gave her a playful smack on the head and said it was time to exchange their gifts.

In the evening the Marriot was full of costumed revelers. People ate food from various tables and lively conversation was everywhere to be found. A few clients recognized Kazuya, but feeling Mami was a client only gave quick nods which Mami didn't think were anything more than them being civil or liking their outfits together. At precisely the arranged time he saw his student dressed as the wizard of Arthurian legend, arrive with a smile. Kazuya smiled at his outfit of a grey school uniform being worn under a robe, complete with a staff, white beard, and a small colored glass bottle to look like a potion.

Kazuya led his protégé around making introductions to any number of people acting as wingmen though the younger Sapphire still showed a shyness around anyone his own age. Rolling his eyes, he watched as his student was recognized by some ladies, some mature ladies, who all told him he made a great Merlin. Kazuya mused if his student were into older ladies he'd be set for life. After the latest one was done complimenting him Kazuya walked over.

Grabbing him by his arm he comically said, "Hey, Merlin! There are people whom you can cast a spell upon. Time to work your 'magic', I know how you can put others 'under a spell'."

Leading him to a piano at the far end he had him sit and said to play something.

"What should I play?" Kazuya's student asked bewildered.

"Play something 'magical', maybe some background music with fantasy-like tone if you will," Kazuya said while smiling.

The student began tooling around in a tune reminiscent of an "enchanted forest" as people slowly stopped talking and started to watch him. People more and more intently watched him. A few older ladies went over to listen and when they saw younger women, college-aged, start coming closer they all smiled at each other and walked off. More and more people stopped talking and started putting their food on tables in the ballroom to eat and listen to him play. Notes of a haunting nature were mixed with moments of lighter tunes and though it was all improv it was captivating and seemed like a real composure. Mami smiled as she saw two of her friends dressed as fairies near her, each with a glass of wine. Mami could tell they'd been drinking a little just by their mannerisms.

Kazuya sat and watched with Mami. Every time Mami wanted to talk to Kazuya he just smiled and nodded and returned to listening to the music. Though captivated too, Mami said she wanted to enjoy more time with him and meet other people in costume, post to social media, and possibly dance to the music. Kazuya kept on asking to wait a little longer. After a seeming eternity of waiting Mami rolled her eyes, smiled wickedly, and shook her head a little as she got up. Mami walked over to where her friends were seated and whispered something into the ear of the closer of the two. Mami's friend was shocked and looked at her with even more shock and Mami smiled and nodded. Kazuya watched unsure what was going on. Mami's friend grabbed her friend's arm and whispered to her which made her equally shocked. Mami, with her arms spreading out with a smile as if offering something, smiled and bowed as she walked away. Kazuya watched with great confusion as Mami returned to the table and started to ask what was going on. At that moment one of the girls went over to Kazuya's student and put her hand on his shoulder and whispered something.

Mami smiled and motioned with her forehead to look back towards the piano. Kazuya watched as his student played and suddenly drop both hands on the keyboard making that dramatic sound everyone knows almost like the needle going off a record. The entire room looked over as the music suddenly came to a stop. Standing up with his face stark white he quickly apologized and didn't know what else to say when the girl who whispered in his ear simply said to everyone, he just received personal news and needed to leave immediately. She thanked everyone for their appreciation as they returned to conversation and eating. Still confused Kazuya watched as the girl slowly hooked her arm with 'Merlin' and began to walk out while her other friend walked alongside.

Kazuya looked back at Mami bewildered and was about to ask what she told her friend when he suddenly had an idea and looked at Mami shocked and watched as she smiled like "the cat who ate the canary feathers and all." Mami nodded with a wicked smile and said she was going back to the dessert table and asked if he wanted anything. Kazuya was stunned and mumbled he'd like some yellow cake if any was left.

The following morning Kazuya's student visited him to return the Merlin outfit. The moment he knocked on the door Kazuya flew outside with wide eyes. His student held out the gift bag with the costume neatly folded along with the staff and couldn't look him in the eye.

"Well, 'Merlin' …seems you took off rather fast. Did you put a spell on not one, but two 'fairies' last night?" Kazuya said with his arms folded.

Unable able to really speak his apprentice just mumbled, "I don't know what you're talking about, I just left after receiving some news."

"Uh huh. Not so much as a text goodnight or thanks? You're a little more polite than that. What happened?"

"N-n-nothing…I just had to leave."

"With two ladies…at the same time? Why is your face so red? Look up at me."

Kazuya happily trolled his student who felt there was no way he was a "boy" any longer.

The student looked up, his face as red as the setting sun, started to laugh and said, "I had a really great time last night. Thanks again for the invite. Please give extra thanks to Mami for the costume."

"Uh huh. Just the costume?"

"Sensei, please. You're going to make me laugh."

"Maybe I should be calling you 'sensei.' All I can say is now I don't have to ask about rumors…others will be asking me about them. I will say what I simply saw: You left with two women when you received 'news.' The part about one hooking your arm, pulling you out with her, and your immense blushing and inability to look me in the eye the next morning I will leave out. I am really glad you came last night, provided beautiful music, and got to 'mingle.' Stop talking to me here, get out of here you little scamp. Something tells me you have 'plans' today and they don't include me."

The student bowed and ran off. kazuya shook his head.

Across town Mizuhara feverishly worked in the bakery's kitchen preparing the staples for the day as well as planning for new year's parties and the like. Mizuhara worked with her seasonal bakers thanking them once again for their diligence and help during the season. When asked if there may be future long-term employment Mizuhara just said the new year's advertising campaign would decide that and crossed her fingers.

A knock on the door got Mizuhara's attention and she was about to tell whoever was at the door they would not be open until later when she saw Sumi in her new coat waving enthusiastically. Mizuhara smiled widely as she unlocked the door, waved Sumi in, and gave her a warm hug.

"You look amazing! That is a great coat! I hope Christmas with family was great. We still need to exchange gifts. I wasn't expecting you until the afternoon. What are you doing here so early!?" Mizuhara exclaimed.

"I came to see if you needed any help. I may not be the baker you are, but I can assist in cleaning, packing, or such," Sumi answered with a smile as she hung her coat on the rack by the entrance.

"You're an angel! Here take this!" Mizuhara said shaking her head before throwing her an apron.

"I figured you may need help."

"I did! Thanks again. This is truly the best gift the season."

"The 'best'? Are you sure you didn't get anything better?"

"Well, your help is the best, but I did get some others."

"What about you?"

"Oh, family is the best, I am sure whatever you give me will be wonderful, but you have to visit my apartment later and see my new 'aquatic friend'."

"Did you get fish?"

Sumi winked and told her she'd show her later and tied the apron ready to help out.

On December 28th Kazuya's student called him sadly saying he called the girls from the party and realized both had given phony numbers. He lamented that he felt stupid and was hurt. Kazuya did his best to cheer him up and told him they weren't worth it otherwise they'd have given him genuine numbers. Kazuya was confused as to what to really tell him having never had something like that and that he knew it would have only been a one-night thing but couldn't tell him that. The student lamented and said at least he is learning more than a few lessons at once. Kazuya laughed and said it'd be okay and at least the rumors in the past now had more validity in some regard. Kazuya's student gave a weak laugh and said there was surely much more to learn in life about women and relationships in general.

In the evening Mami came over at Kazuya's invite and the moment she got inside she could tell he was angry.

"You know your little friends gave my favorite musician wrong numbers?" Kazuya asked with anger.

Mami looked shocked and said, "…They did? Wow. I thought for sure they would—"

"Don't play dumb with me! Leave the acting to me. I am angry at them and disappointed with you. I expect better from you!"

"Oh relax! He got a better gift than anyone else in that room and something that very few guys will ever get. He will have a story, a true one, to tell for life. Besides, if he is mature as you say he shouldn't have really expected anything."

"Mami, this may come as a huge shock to you, but not everyone lived the out in the open 'teenage years' as the best and most carefree years of their life. Not everyone is ready for the whole 'you gotta have as much fun as you can in college because once become an adult, you'll never have the time' thing. This guy…this guy grew up too fast. He's been working his whole life. You saw him play the piano. Perhaps I should have stopped the whole thing. I saw it coming, but was in denial…but what could I have done? Should I have just cut him off from a really, really good time and told him he is best to stay as he is and even if so, is it my call to make? Mami…this is a situation I cannot deal with, really isn't mine to worry about, and I feel responsible somehow. Strange huh?"

"Kazuya, you're an innocent boy under the two actors I know in you. You're trying to be a mentor, a friend, and a protector all at once. Here, sit down and let me make you some tea. You can be angry at me, you can be angry with my friends, but not yourself. As you said, were you supposed to walk up to him and just be his conscience? His guide? You're neither of these things and sorry to rationalize this, but he did some learning only he could have done. I…I just wanted some more time with you at the party. I didn't want to listen to him play all night. I didn't want to pull him away from the piano, so I decided to have others 'pull him away'-literally-from there. I am sorry, but at least he has a forever gift and story."

Kazuya shook his head and asked next time she simply tell him the truth.

Mami went to the kitchen and prepared two cups of peppermint tea.

"I just hope this story eventually gets added to his 'experience folder' and not his 'heartbreak files.' I do have to admit I know he felt like an emperor for at least a day."

"Kazuya, in the end I am sure he will chalk it up to the 'fun he needed to have.' If it makes you feel better, I bet when he meets his first real girlfriend, he will both know the fun he can have and yet be guarded as a gentleman not wanting the same to happen to her what as to what happened to him."

Returning from the kitchen Mami handed Kazuya a cup of tea and he nodded before asking, "You're saying the lesson of being a gentleman and not breaking anyone's heart comes from women who treated him like a piece of meat and broke his heart?"

Mami winced and shrugged before saying, "I guess. Come one, drink this tea. You'll feel better. We'll go for a corn muffin and milkshake at Donny's when we're done."

The two finished their tea and set off.

On December 30th in the early morning Mizuhara sat with her marketing consultant going over details.

"You may call me 'Chizuru' from now on Yuuici. I feel you've earned it at this point," Mizuhara said as she brought him a hot cup of raspberry tea and a slice of lemon sponge cake.

"Thank you, Mizu-Chizuru. Thanks for the cake. How did you know I'd like it?" Yuuici asked.

"There is a picture of you on your Facebook account eating it."

"Quite right. Anyway, to business: Taking my advice you continued with last year's techniques of flyers, doing the community 'coupon book', and even a few radio spots. I am happy for you as you said in your email earlier you had good results."

"Yes, yes, we did. Thanks again. We had an immediate spike from the coupons and people even mentioned hearing us on the local radio station during their commercials around rush hour. I imagine going forward we could do the same devoting more to what has worked and changing-"

"It's time to think bigger, it's time to go bigger."

"Bigger? I am pleased with the results; your advice has led to a spike in business when we need it most."

"Did you hear yourself? 'A spike in business' when we 'need it most'. You're thinking in terms of stable business throughout the year and then a spike at the holidays."

"Well, yes, that's the way—"

"It's time to go bigger. Chizuru…this holiday was great, but you know what's going to happen following New Year's. You have to fight off the slump! Non-holiday stability is great, but you are facing increased competition from supermarkets which are adding cafes. More places are adding baked goods to their menus, but there is their Achilles' Heel: They are bland, numerous, but bland. Your bakery is a specialty shop and you're expanding your café, which is great. Now it is time to go bigger. I want that café always packed. I want it so packed you have to look into renting the space next door and have the property owner put in a door so that you have a second room altogether. Maybe even have servers."

"Those…those are lofty goals. Are you confidant you can help us do that?"

"Yes! That's why you hired me. Listen, I know what works—-I work for none of the places where you advertise, I work for you…and I know some great 'cheats' and we can make it work. I have prepared my next idea for you. Trust me when you see it you will love it and from there…things will rise like the bread in the oven."

Mizuhara rolled her eyes and asked what he had in mind.

On New Year's Day Kazuya awoke with a stretch still tired from getting in only hours before. A late-night date for New Year's Eve left Kazuya both tired and disoriented. He remembered most of the night but was angry for drinking a little too much. Kazuya didn't judge himself too harshly as the customer is always right, but he did wish he didn't have to 'tell her' she was right when it came to more shots than he could remember. A few minutes later a nice review came in on the Sapphire app which made him smile. Taking a drink of water, he read beneath five-star rating, "A wonderous way to start the new year with a wonderous guy. Smart, clever, funny, and insightful. He told some stories of New Year's past with other clients and times he was in high school. It made for an incredibly fun night. He charmed my friends too."

Kazuya shook his head remembering virtually nothing of the night besides telling his client one or two stories. Getting up he realized he had a small headache and quickly brewed coffee and grabbed an Advil feeling he had to shake this off. Walking to the medicine cabinet he saw an email from the acting school's scholarship program, gasped, and dropped his phone. Shaking in excitement he feverishly called Mami but got her voicemail. Kazuya figured she must be asleep or possibly hungover. Kazuya looked at the door and started to pace and even went outside. He glanced down the level towards the stairs and fought the impulse and went back inside to take the Advil and hop into the shower.

Across town at the bakery Mizuhara happily hummed as she packed some shortbread cookies and other goodies for Sumi's help into a white wax paper bag. Smiling, she looked towards the cakes in the refrigerated display case and smiled as she grabbed a slice of marble cake, one of pound cake, and two red velvet cookies. Packing them all into a second bag she went next door to purchase two Thank You cards. Inside each she added a nice line or two about new year's hopes and dreams, opportunities, and keeping spirit high. She smiled as she put Sumi's in the office and grabbed Kazuya's as her grandmother called saying their taxi would be there soon.

Arriving at the shrine Kazuya's grandmother had nothing but nice things to say to Mizuhara and started off with a strong hug. Mizuhara's did the same for Kazuya as his parents both said it was wonderful to see her. The two families prayed at the shrine for new year's wishes, put money into the donation box, and went to sit on the grounds near the monastery. A number of vendors had come out and set up selling everything from jewelry, hot foods, artwork, a fortune teller invited people into her tent, and a tent was selling all manner of vials for everything from curing a hangover to tea just to feel great in the new year. Kazuya's grandmother got up and said she was visiting the lady's room when she, unseen by anyone, tapped Mizuhara twice on the shoulder and waved her to come with her.

Mizuhara excused herself and walked with Kazuya's grandmother to the far end of the vendors out of sight and looked her straight in the eye with a sad expression.

"My darling Chizuru, Kazuya is a good actor and he's putting on a strong performance now. He looks happy, is acting happy, and being polite…but he is distraught. I need you to be there for him now," Grandmother Kinoshita said with heavy eyes.

"W-What happened? What's wrong? What do you need from me?!" Mizuhara asked with the eagerness of a close friend and confidant.

"The scholarship program…the scholarship program he was counting on was cancelled."

"Cancelled?! Oh no!"

"Not so loud. Yes, it's terrible. Kazuya has been working his tail off busing tables and cleaning up after hours at Donny's near campus and that one always has smelly boys straight from sporting events, bad dates, and the like. He's such a hard worker. He has been saving so much and with the program's cancellation we cannot afford to send him. He saved up quite a tidy sum, but it isn't enough to make up for the shortfall even if we match what he saved."

"I can help! We had a great season at the bakery this year! I can help-"

"Sweetheart, you're such an angel. I didn't come here to ask you for money, let alone have you volunteer it. That's your livelihood, yours and your grandmother. You're all each other have after all. I do need you to do something for me though."

"What? Anything I can do to help. His dream is important to him, and he is so supportive to mine and-"

"You're such a sweet soul. I want you…I need you to tell him to give up on acting. He's minoring in business admin and marketing and will someday take over the family's convenient store, but if it is to last, he needs to focus on it and make it his major. Acting has many pitfalls and you're seeing Kazuya face one before he even reaches the school he wishes to attend. It was expensive endeavor, he fought hard to get the scholarship, and in an instant it was gone. He's trapped between not having enough to pursue a dream and needing to face reality."

"I..I don't know that I can do that. I am sorry, I cannot fathom-"

"Chizuru, I wouldn't come to you if I didn't need your help. We spoke to him this morning on the phone. We agreed that he is welcome to switch to minoring in acting as it doesn't take anything extra, but we want him to focus on business. It is hard giving up on a dream, but even worse pursuing one beyond your reach. I know this lesson. Sadly, I know it too well."

"What do you mean?"

"A story for another time."

"Still…Grandmother Kinoshita, I don't know-"

"You may call me Nagomi. I wish to start the new year off with some sweet gestures, especially in the face of my asking you to do me a favor. Kazuya is crushed, but you can help him see the light."

"I don't know. This is for him to decide. I cannot be responsible for turning him away from a dream, I don't know that I could do that. I wouldn't want someone to do that for me. Kazuya is encouraging to me; I don't feel I couldn't be back to him."

Kazuya's grandmother hugged her hard saying she is truly an angel before adding, "It is hard to do, I wouldn't ask you to do it if I truly didn't want your help. We're not giving up on his dream, you're not asking him to do that either. I just want you to help him see what a priority changing course is, but it is not giving up. This is an opportunity to learn more, maybe for roles down the road. There are a lot of roles out there and prepping for others can always help."

Mizuhara shrugged and said she'd do what she can.

In the evening Mizuhara sat at her desk trying to study when the Sapphire app went off indicating an email had been received.

"I am very eager to talk to you on our date tonight at 21:30 at Donny's. Please don't be late."

Mizuhara looked at the message and then at the clock realizing it was 21:00 and she'd best get going. Inside Donny's Kazuya sat in the corner looking crushed in his non-dating persona.

Kazuya stood to pull out Mizuhara's chair and thanked her for coming out.

"What's going on Kazuya? Why did you ask me out on short notice? You're free to throw a woodchip at my window or a pebble if needed," Mizuhara said as she ordered a glass of lemonade and one for Kazuya as he nodded on the in-table ordering screen.

"I got rather bad news this morning," Kazuya lamented as he looked down.

"What?"

"The acting school I wanted to attend? The scholarship program has been cut. It seems Covid has killed another. Attendance dropped as numerous classes couldn't meet and doing classes by Zoom really wasn't good enough for most. They held classes socially distanced, but not many showed up. Classes were condensed, but no one was staying on campus, no one in the dorms, no one in the cafeterias, and the school simply wasn't making enough. The first thing to go in any organization or business when facing difficult times are expenses which can be controlled."

"I'm so sorry, really, I am. I know what it meant—-"

"Thank you, but I am faced with a request from my family, more advice really. They want…they want me to give up on acting."

"Did they say why?"

"Of course. They simply said there are too many variables, too much can go wrong, and the family business will need me. They said I am free to pursue acting on the side but focus on business. I have given my parents some of the money I saved up from 'tutoring' to allow me the next semester to really think out what I want to do. I figure I can use it for private tutoring or summer classes to catch up. They say that they admire my drive, my perseverance, my resolve, but at the end of the day not having an acting role just adds hardships…hardships they feel I can avoid if I learn to run a business better. You're studying business admin; I considered trading you tutor sessions for 'dates' with your family."

"Well, I could be a great tutor for you, but I know they want you to still take on business as a major."

Kazuya put his head in my hands and lamented the idea of giving up on a dream and not even be due to his skills, but just by things beyond his control. He acknowledged the lessons he taught about how sometimes there are things simply beyond his control, but he took no peace in it now.

"I know what I taught. I believe in it, I really do. It just seems so 'personal'…like a dream and not an issue of business. I feel the stars above are telling me to stay on Earth. I know, I am sorry to sound like that."

Mizuhara got up and pulled her chair closer before asking softly, "May I hug you?"

Kazuya nodded and happily accepted a hug before feeling like he was crying on the inside had subsided and thanked her.

Releasing the hug Mizuhara sat down and said," I'm here…and our lemonade is too."

Mizuhara took a drink and kept thinking about dreams, how she wanted to be supportive, and watched Kazuya take a drink and smile as he thanked her for being there.

Mami's words suddenly rang out in her head,"The moment he finds success short of him being with someone we're going to get together for real."

Kazuya put down the lemonade and looked Mizuhara straight in the eyes and said, "I need an honest answer: Do you think I should stop trying to be an actor, that the reality-"

"No, not for a moment. Kazuya, your dreams are before you, in the sky, but the stars aren't telling you to stay on Earth. I feel they are merely moving higher, creating a challenge. I feel they are within reach, but stars are never reached by those who take their eyes off them," Mizuhara said without blinking.

Kazuya shed actual tears of joy and softly asked if he could hug her. Mizuhara smiled widely as she pulled him in for a tight hug saying dreams should only be given upon when one feels they're no longer in reach, but not a moment sooner.

Mizuhara knew at that moment she may have just sealed her fate, seeing him once again ready to pursue his dreams and the events which may accompany it, but didn't regret it for a moment.

Kazuya smiled and said, "Thank you. That really means a lot to me, you have no idea how much it means to me. I want to take you out on Saturday night. There is something important I need to tell you."

Mizuhara agreed and they toasted each other to a new year full of opportunity and ordered some yellow cake to add sweetness to the evening.

Meeting Mizuhara outside the piano bar where Kazuya's student played, he happily smiled seeing her dressed in a very nice outfit. Mizuhara was impressed with Kazuya's outfit too as it was not something reminiscent of a causal date. Opening the door Kazuya held it for Mizuhara and as soon as they were seated gave the server a quick order. The lounge was packed with people eating and drinking and enjoying live music on a cold Saturday night.

Kazuya looked serious and said, "I asked you out here tonight because I need your help on something. Consider this my 'payment' or 'reward' or if you prefer 'return gesture' from having pizza with you and your grandmother that night. There is a Sapphire I have been mentoring, he is my student. He is nervous around girls our age. Ironically, he does very well with older ladies."

"Huh? You need my help? You want me to go out on a date with him? You want him to be able to use me to practice upon?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?"

"It's a pretty easy assumption, a path you were setting up. I'm happy to help. What's the reason he's having trouble around women and why is he, ironically, good with older women?"

"Well, it is a long story, but the short version of the story is that he never spent much time dating…I know that is strange since he's a 'rental boyfriend', but he's trying to learn to be more comfortable around women."

Kazuya looked around and remarked the music was nice. Mizuhara glanced at the pianist in the corner and agreed noting he looks young to be playing in a lounge and mused he must be very skilled. Kazuya nodded in agreement.

"Okay, so what do I need to do?"

"Well, you wouldn't have to pay anything, but I want you to go get tea with him and hopefully have a talk."

"Seems easy enough."

"There's more to it. The reason he is good with older women and not with younger are kind of the same: he lost someone very special to him. This person was a violinist, one of the best, and she played with him on stage. Her loss really hurt him as he had very strong feelings for her in respect professionally, as someone he trusted as a friend, and—"

"He loved her too."

"Yes…and ironically it is the same reason since in her loss he lost a lot of confidence he gained by working with her and he continues to play to this day and his music of choice is appreciated by an older audience. He is mature, very mature, but can hardly relate to people our age. It shows maturity, it speaks to character, but inside him is a younger man…a boy, a hurt boy. This is important: he never had the chance."

"He never had the chance to do what?"

"…He never had the chance to really let it out. I know this for a fact, he confided in me. I told him I knew someone who could help. You have passion and you also have compassion. He needs someone like you."

"T-Thank you Kazuya. I'm flattered you trust me on this need as—"

"He's also someone I admire greatly; I watched him perform. I followed him and he's someone I really want to help. He was an inspiration for me and the fact I have a chance to teach him anything—that this dummy has anything to offer—makes me feel I am truly being there for someone when they need it. The fact you're here makes it all the better. I almost feel like rain and sun, hot and cold, two sides, or just a team effort: I can help him professionally and you can emotionally and truly it just feeds into a common goal: growth and resolution."

"I'll try…I'll try my best at it."

Kazuya smiled and thanked her before waving to the pianist. Suddenly the room became quiet for a moment, and everyone was murmuring, enjoying their food and drinks. Suddenly the music changed from background music to As Time Goes By.

Mizuhara suddenly looked up and smiled.

"You like it?"

"Yes, that's my favorite song."

"I know, it was a request by me. I know him pretty well."

"Is he from the drama department?"

"No. He is your date."

"I thought you said he was a violinist."

"No, he is a pianist. His muse, the violinist, was his musical accompaniment. I saw her play with him and she was incredible. His losing her really propelled him into a place from which he needs to escape. I am doing what I can, but with you I feel we have a really good chance to help him and there is a true joy in helping someone when you can."

"I'll try…I'll do my very best. Count on it."

"I know you will."

"What is his name?"

"Kousei…Kousei Arima."